Back to Document 43
Up to Document List
Ahead to Document 45

Document 44 –

Letter from Norton & Co. to William Gooding Concerning
U.S. Government Goods
 

February 16, 1864
 

Document 44
Click for larger image

     

Transcription

    Chicago, Feb 16 1864
Wm Gooding Esq
             Lockport Ill
                       Dr Sir
                               We are negotiating
for transportation of a large quantity of
oats from here to Nashville in Canal
Boats. They are government property
having been bought direct for Govt
under orders from Genl Allen U. S
Quarter Master Louisville — We
presume if proper evidence is
presented they will pass through
canal toll free. Please inform
us if we are right in the matter
& what vouchers we would require
to insure their passage free of toll
                         Yours Truly
                                  Norton & Co

Explanation

By February 16, 1864 Nashville, Tennessee was a Union Army supply center. Goods from the North were being transported to it for further distribution to federal forces throughout the region. By the terms of "An act to grant a quantity of land to the State of Illinois for the purpose of aiding in opening a canal to connect the waters of the Illinois River with those of Lake Michigan," "Said Canal when completed shall be and forever remain a public highway for the use of the Government of the United States, free from any toll, or other charge, whatever, for any property of the United States or person in their service passing through the Same" (see document 1).

For 1864 the canal was open to navigation from March 10 through November 29, a span of 265 days. During this time a total of 2,696,196 bushels of oats passed through the I and M. Of that number 733,504 bushels originated at Chicago. And for the period considered 688,511 bushels were transported free of tolls because they were the property of the U.S. government. Oats were the only item shipped by federal authority. Oats were used to feed Union Army horses. See also document 45.

Points To Consider

What was Norton & Co. requesting in this letter?

Considering document 1, was this request granted?

Nashville, Tennessee is located on the Cumberland River. Trace a water route for these oats from Chicago to Nashville. Where had these oats likely been grown?

Why were oats being shipped from Chicago to Nashville early in 1864?

Back to Document 43
Up to Document List
Ahead to Document 45

Back to Illinois and Michigan Canal Introduction page
Back to Illinois State Archives home page